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Sarasota | Neighbors

Chelsea Yoder, 8
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • February 16, 2011
CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT: Imagine School at Palmer Ranch

We caught up with some Imagine School cheerleading campers after school let out Tuesday.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
One of the many tables at Shabbat Alive! dinner pose for a picture on Friday, Feb. 11 at Temple Emanu-El.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • February 15, 2011
Shabbat goes French at Temple Emanu-El

Temple Emanu-El held a French themed dinner during Shabbat Alive! on Friday, Feb. 11 at Temple Emanu-El. 190 people attended the dinner that was catered by Word of Mouth.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
300 couples kiss after renewing their vows to one another at the Say I Do, Again ceremony, Monday, Feb. 14 on Siesta Key Beach.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • February 15, 2011
GALLERY: Couples renew their vows on Valentine's Day

Over 300 couples participated in this year's Say I Do, Again ceremony, Monday, Feb. 14 on Siesta Key Beach.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The crowd at the opening night of the Fabulous Arts Boutqiue on Thursday, Feb. 11.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • February 13, 2011
FABulous turnout at Art Center Sarasota

The Fabulous Arts Boutique brought out quite a crowd this past weekend. FAB was held at Art Center Sarasota and ran from Thursday, Feb. 10 through Sunday Feb. 13.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Anne Copeland, Yvette Cusack, Suzie Leith and Stephanie Keeley
    By
  • Dora Walters
  • February 13, 2011
GALLERY: Oaks Valentine's Day Dance

Dinner at The Oaks for a celebration of Valentine's Day was the choice for many couples on Feb. 13.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ruth and Bob Ireland are still madly in love after 68 years of marriage.
    By
  • Maria Amodio
  • February 12, 2011
YPG serves up romance at 'Lovers' Lunch'

The Young Professionals group teamed up with the Pines of Sarasota for a 'Lovers' Lunch' on Saturday, Feb. 12, in Cutter Hall at the Pines. YPG volunteers served a steak and champagne meal to more than 30 Pines residents who also took in a performance by the Riverview High School Chamber Choir.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Elliott Waters with Lisa Ward, incoming president for Junior League
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • February 12, 2011
GALLERY: Stupid Cupid

Junior League of Sarasota County held its annual 'Stupid Cupid' party Saturday, at Ivory Lounge.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Co-Chairwoman Melissa Morrill and Laura Proctor show off their heart-shaped ruby rings.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • February 12, 2011
GALLERY: SYC 'Love on the Docks'

Saturday evening was filled with flowers, rings and all sorts of pretty things when Sarasota Yacht Club couples said 'I do' for the second time during a vow renewal ceremony held just in time for Valentine's Day.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Dylan Davis whips his rope through the air during Jump Rope for Heart.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • February 11, 2011
GALLERY: ODA Jump Rope for Heart

Whatever they were doing - hopping, jumping, cart wheeling - Out-of-Door Academy students wore smiles that stretched from ear to ear during their Jump Rope for Heart event Friday, Feb. 11, at the school's Siesta Key campus.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Briauna Jones, Deja DuBose and Anita Clark show their school spirit in their Booker Basketball t-shirts.
    By
  • Maria Amodio
  • February 11, 2011
Booker Middle School Tornado Trot

The cold and rainy weather didn't dampen the spirits of Booker Middle School students as they participated in the school's Tornado Trot on Friday, Feb. 11. Students walked, jogged and even danced around the ¼ mile track from 7:30 a.m. until noon to raise money to buy picnic tables so they could eat their lunch outside.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Abby Telinger and A.J. Frye made a precious pair as a princess and a knight.
    By
  • Maria Amodio
  • February 11, 2011
Costumed cuties parade Ashton Elementary

Kindergarteners at Ashton Elementary School dressed as their favorite storybook characters for the school's Fairytale Parade on Friday, Feb. 11.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Out-of-Door Academy preschoolers danced to "Lollipop" during the school's annual Jump Rope for Heart event today.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • February 11, 2011
PHOTO OF THE DAY: Lollipop, lollipop!

Out-of-Door Academy preschoolers danced to "Lollipop" during the school's annual Jump Rope for Heart event today.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Winner Dr. Patrick Bower
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 10, 2011
Locals veg out for eating contest

On Saturday, Veg restaurant, in Gulf Gate, held its own eating contest with a healthier twist - veggie burgers.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 10, 2011
FAB is not your momma's craft guild

The artists of Fabulous Arts Boutique will showcase their dazzling works starting with an opening reception from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, at Art Center Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
B.J. Kleindist and Aida Florsheim
    By
  • Maria Amodio
  • February 10, 2011
Organization shows appreciation for volunteers

Volunteers from Resurrection House homeless shelter were honored at the non-profit organization's annual volunteer appreciation dinner on Thursday, Feb. 10, at Church of the Redeemer.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 10, 2011
USF launches its first collegiate crew team

In partnership with Sarasota Crew, USF announced the team Feb. 3, at Bay Preserve, in Osprey.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Kevin and Missy Cooper
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • February 10, 2011
Love Story

In honor of Valentine's Day, we asked two Sarasota couples - newlyweds Kevin and Missy Cooper and longtime loves and high-school sweethearts Billy and Mary Franklin - to share their love stories.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Mark Kapusta runs to hit a backhand during a doubles match Saturday, Feb. 5 at the tennis courts at Payne Park.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • February 10, 2011
PHOTO OF THE WEEK: Powerful return

Mark Kapusta runs to hit a backhand during a doubles match Saturday, Feb. 5 at the tennis courts at Payne Park.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Joseph Klarberg submitted this sunset photo, taken on Siesta Key.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 10, 2011
WEEKLY WINNER: FLIGHTY SUNSET

Joseph Klarberg submitted this sunset photo, taken on Siesta Key.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Juggles the Clown (Jeff Lovett) adds some balloon flair to Joanna Tsoukos' wardrobe.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • February 9, 2011
Festive event celebrates Italian culture and heritage

The tables were saturated in confetti, balloons spanned the room and guests couldn't turn off their excitement - Sarasota Italian Cultural Events, Inc., had transformed Michael's on East into little Italy for its 'Festa Siciliana' luncheon Wednesday, Feb. 9. Performers ranged from balloon crafting 'Juggles the Clown' (Jeff Lovett) to accordion player Mario DeLeon to Tarantella Dancers. In the past, proceeds have benefited Sarasota Opera, Ringling Museum and Big Brother Big Sister on the Gulfcoast.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Luke Palmer, 5
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • February 9, 2011
CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT: St. Martha Catholic School (WITH VIDEO)

We asked youngsters at St. Martha Catholic School to chat about the country's mushiest holiday of the year - Valentine's Day.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Claire Milligan, Daisy Cotton owner, Jan Allen and Sue Angle
    By
  • Maria Amodio
  • February 7, 2011
Garden Club holds flowery fashion show

Sarasota Garden Club members strutted their stuff at the club's annual fashion show and luncheon held Monday, Feb. 7 at the Sarasota Yacht Club.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
...
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • February 7, 2011
VEG Out!

Eating contests are usually associated with large amounts of meat at some sort of a state fair venue. This weekend, Veg held their very own eating contest involving veggie burgers on Saturday, Feb. 5 outside of their restaurant on Gulf Gate Drive.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Nancy Koci and Esther Erickson look at some of the yard art creations by Aart Vark Studios during the 17th annual Siesta Key Craft Festival Saturday, Feb. 5, in Siesta Key Village.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • February 7, 2011
Crafty weekend brightens up Siesta Key

The 17th annual Siesta Key Craft Festival took place Saturday and Sunday along Ocean Boulevard and Beach Road in Siesta Key Village.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
One of Wendy Vroom's paintings, entitled "Grace."
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • February 6, 2011
Alluring art: Sarasota Masters reels in creative junkies

Artists displayed their work along Palm Avenue for the Sarasota Masters Art Festival Saturday and Sunday.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Harry Echtman and Seth Morton play a game of frisbee.
    By
  • Maria Amodio
  • February 4, 2011
Students get groovy reward for good grades

Students at Phillippi Shores Elementary had a far out time at the school's '60s Day on Friday, Feb. 4. Students, teachers and parents all donned their grooviest '60s fashions and enjoyed a day full of tie-dying, face-painting and retro games including frisbee and twister.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ashton Elementary students ran for 40 minutes around the school's track for their annual Star Sprint jog-a-thon.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • February 4, 2011
Runners star in Ashton Elementary jog-a-thon

Ashton Elementary students ran with all their might during the school's biggest fundraiser of the year, "Star Sprint," Friday.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Steve Queior and Vicki Vega
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • February 4, 2011
GSCC hosts Prime Time on college grounds

Members of The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce flocked to New College to attend Prime Time.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Chris Innocenti lays vinyl over the windows at the Sarasota Museum of Art for future enhancements to the façade.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • February 4, 2011
PHOTO OF THE DAY: Beam me up, Scotty!

Sarasota Museum of Art is getting a window makeover in hues of blue.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 3, 2011
Archives peel away New College layers

A banana peel that has been safely tucked away in New College of Florida's archives since 1970 was recently discovered.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Mary Lynn Desjarlais
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 3, 2011
Get 'em while they're hot!

The Kiwanis Club of South Sarasota hosted a hot-off-the-griddle pancake breakfast fundraiser Saturday, Jan. 29, at Presbyterian Church of the Covenant.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Steve Dickman, who plays Gilly the Shark, always stays in character with his fans.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • February 3, 2011
Dickman sinks his teeth into Mote mascot role

Steve Dickman - the man who has dressed up as Gilly the Shark for the past seven years - opens up about what its like to play Mote Marine's mascot.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Moore
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • February 3, 2011
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Bryan Moore

Bryan Moore is a professional sponsored athlete. His sport? Disc golf.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Rich Nicoli submitted this sunset photo, taken from the Ringling Bridge and overlooking City Island.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 3, 2011
WEEKLY WINNER: Sunny Outlook

Rich Nicoli submitted this sunset photo, taken from the Ringling Bridge and overlooking City Island.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Orioles Bird and Sarabeth Kalajian, director of libraries
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • February 2, 2011
Local libraries, Orioles step up to the plate to promote literacy

Sarasota County libraries and the Baltimore Orioles yesterday announced a partnership to promote literacy through the Orioles Big League Reader Program.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Birgene Linse, Sean McDonald, Grace Duffy and Renee Pitts perform "Little Red Riding Hood."
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • January 28, 2011
Pajamarific party

Out-of-Door Academy preschoolers snuggled up for an afternoon of stories, songs and skits performed by their favorite teachers.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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